perforate
verb
per·fo·rate
ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt 
perforated; perforating
1
: to make a hole through
especially
: to make a line of holes in to facilitate separation
2
: to pass through or into by or as if by making a hole
: to penetrate a surface
Examples of perforate in a Sentence
Cover the bowl with aluminum foil, and then use a fork to perforate the foil.
he perforated the sheet with his pencil and put it in his binder
Recent Examples on the Web
It’s also perforated to promote airflow underfoot, therefore keeping feet cool in hot temperatures, and the mesh upper also has plenty of ventilation for heat to escape.
—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
The best styles to scoop up have perforated details for airflow and are made of lightweight materials like canvas to keep your feet cool and comfy.
—
Cheryl Wagemann,
InStyle,
23 June 2026
Millie's bowels then perforated before she was born, causing her stomach to swell.
—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
The blade perforated Metcalf's right ventricle, and he was pronounced dead after being transported to an area hospital.
—
Tristan Maglunog,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for perforate
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Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
The best styles to scoop up have perforated details for airflow and are made of lightweight materials like canvas to keep your feet cool and comfy.
—
Cheryl Wagemann,
InStyle,
23 June 2026
Millie's bowels then perforated before she was born, causing her stomach to swell.
—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
The blade perforated Metcalf's right ventricle, and he was pronounced dead after being transported to an area hospital.
—
Tristan Maglunog,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for perforate
Cite this Entry
“Perforate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perforate. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perforate
verb
per·fo·rate
ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt
perforated; perforating
: to make a hole or series of holes through
especially
: to make a line of holes to make tearing easy and neat
sheets of stamps are perforated
Medical Definition
perforate
verb
per·fo·rate
ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt
perforated; perforating
1
: to make a hole through
an ulcer perforates the duodenal wall
2
: to enter or extend through
the nerve perforates the dura mater
: to penetrate a surface
the wound in the forearm was perforating—The Journal of the American Medical Association
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